|
Area: |
911 000 sq.km |
|
Climate: |
Mostly tropical wet-dry, south-west tropical wet, extreme north semi-arid |
|
Population: |
115 million (1996 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: U.S.$ 310 (1993) |
|
Specific characteristics of the country: |
Low-income food-deficit country; coastal country |
|
Logistics: |
Ports adequate, roads inadequate during rainy season |
|
Major foodcrops: |
Roots and tubers, coarse grains, rice |
|
Marketing year: |
January/December; Lean season: April-May |
|
Share of cereals in total calorie intake: |
43 percent |
CURRENT SITUATION
Seasonably dry condition prevail. In the north, the harvest of the second maize crop and irrigated rice are drawing to an end.
Shortages of fertilizers, improved seeds and pesticides were reported during the planting season, following an import ban imposed by the government and difficulties in the distribution of locally produced fertilizers. As a result, farmers may have switched from rice crop to millet, sorghum and groundnuts, which are less fertilizer dependent. Nevertheless, following good climatic conditions during the growing season and low pest infestations, the overall cereal output for 1996 is estimated at 23.4 million tons, which is higher than last year. About 55 million tons of roots and tubers, which represent the main foodcrop, have also been produced.
The food supply is still limited by high levels of harvest and post harvest losses and high distribution costs. In order to reduce large post-harvest losses, the Government has started a food storage programme, including the construction of 26 silos, with a 636 000 tons storage capacity, and the installation of 500 improved storage structures for farmers. Cross border exports of maize and rice into Niger and Chad are reported. The 1997 cereal import requirement is estimated at 1 115 000 tons, including 900 000 tons of wheat and 250 000 tons of rice.
|
Wheat |
Rice |
Coarse grains |
Total |
|
|
Normal Production (rice in paddy terms) |
45 |
2 660 |
16 970 |
19 675 |
|
Normal Imports |
825 |
325 |
80 |
1 230 |
|
of which: Structural food aid |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
1997 Domestic Availability |
55 |
1 800 |
20 373 |
22 228 |
|
1996 Production (rice in paddy terms) |
35 |
3 000 |
20 373 |
23 408 |
|
1996 Production (rice in milled terms) |
35 |
1 800 |
20 373 |
22 208 |
|
Possible stock drawdown |
20 |
- |
- |
20 |
|
1997 Utilization |
955 |
2 050 |
20 373 |
23 378 |
|
Food Use |
924 |
1 600 |
13 765 |
16 289 |
|
of which: local purchase requirement |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Non-food use |
31 |
450 |
6 308 |
6 789 |
|
Exports or Re-exports |
- |
- |
250 |
250 |
|
Possible stock build up |
- |
- |
50 |
50 |
|
1997 Import Requirement |
900 |
250 |
- |
1 150 |
|
Anticipated commercial imports |
900 |
250 |
- |
1 150 |
|
Food aid needs |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Current Aid Position | ||||
|
Food aid pledges |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
of which: Delivered |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Estimated Per Caput Consumption (kg/Year) |
8 |
14 |
120 |
142 |
|
Indexes | ||||
|
1996 production as % of normal: |
119 |
|||
|
1997 import requirement as % of normal: |
93 |
|||
|
1997 food aid requirement as % of normal: |
- |